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Masterson Method® of Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork

Masterson Method® Certification MMCP

My Masterson Method® Certification Class

About the Masterson Method®

The Masterson Method® is an integrated, multi-modality method of equine massage and bodywork that allows the horse to release deep, accumulated pain and tension in muscles and connective tissue. As an MMCP, I am trained to interpret the horses's subtle responses to my touch to locate hidden tension throughout the key junctions of the horse's body that most affect performance.  I then use light touch and gentle movement in a relaxed state to gently encourage the horse to release that tension.  Without accumulated tension, the horse is able to move more freely, efficiently, and use their body in the way it was designed!  This improvement in range of motion and decreased discomfort results in a horse whose mind and body is ready to do their job!

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My clients often tell me that their horses :

  • Move more comfortably

  • Are more willing to jump

  • Jumps in better form

  • Has more clear rounds

  • Has a better attitude about riding in general

  • Is more alert and present, not "checked out"

  • Is more willing to be caught, groomed, and handled

Masterson Method® in Jim's own words...
Bladder Meridian - try this with your horse!!!
Search...Response...Stay...Release...
About Masterson Method® Certification
About Jim Masterson

Jim Masterson first became interested in equine massage in 1997.  He recognized that the horse exhibits certain neurological responses to touch as it releases tension in the body. Using those responses to guide his work, he developed a system in which the horse participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. The result is an effective method of equine massage body work that anyone can learn to use, to improve performance while at the same time opening new levels of communication and trust with the horse.

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He has used his knowledge to help horses all over the world, and was the Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competition.  Jim has worked on the U.S. Hunter-Jumper Show circuit, including top equine competitors in events such as the USEF and Maclay Medal series, and FEI Grand Prix, Nation’s Cup, Pan American and World Cup jumping events. He continues to help members of the USET Singles Driving Team (he helped them prior to the 2010 Championships in Italy) and members of the USET Jumping team. 

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Jim's Career Highlights

  • 2003 - Jim went public with his method, scheduling demonstrations and seminars of the Masterson Method® at private barns and public facilities sponsored by clubs and organizations in the US and overseas.

  • 2004 – in conjunction with Real Bodyworks of California, Jim produced an instructional DVD, Equine Massage for Performance Horses.

  • 2006 - Jim was invited to accompany the USET Endurance Team to Aachen, Germany, for the FEI World Equestrian Games as the Equine Massage Therapist.

  • 2007 - Jim continued to travel the world to teach “hands-on” workshops and seminars in Italy and the United Kingdom for horse owners and professionals alike.

  • 2008 – Due to popular demand, Jim began teaching a Certification Course in the Masterson Method® in both the United Kingdom and the United States to those that wanted to use this method as a career path in Equine Massage.

  • 2008 – Jim was asked to help the USET Endurance Team again, this time at the FEI World Championships in Malaysia.

  • 2008 – Jim presented at Equitana Asia Pacific in Australia and to taught workshops for horse owners, trainers and therapists in Australia.

  • 2009 – Jim presented at Equine Affaire Conventions and the Syracuse Invitational horse show. Jim began teaching both foundational and certification courses in Ireland.

  • 2009 – Jim offers training videos over the web on YouTube, his website, and other equine sites such as Equestrian Life and Barn Mice.

  • 2010 Equine Bodyworker for members of the USET Driving Team (singles) in Holland and to members of the Jumping team. Jim began teaching courses in Belgium.

  • 2010 Invited to FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington KY as the United States Endurance Team Equestrian Bodyworker.

  • 2011 Invited to FEI Endurance race with the USET Riders in Chile.

  • 2011 Jim, with the help of Stefanie Reinhold, co-authored a book on the Masterson Method®, "Beyond Horse Massage," published by Trafalgar Publishing.

  • 2011 Jim tapes a new DVD to accompany the book, published November of 2011.

  • 2012 Beyond Horse Massage Book and DVD available for purchase

  • 2012 Pomona Horse Expo; Iowa Horse Fair; Equine Affaire and Western States Expo presenter

  • 2013 Presenter at:  Rocky Mountain Horse Expo; The Northwest Horse Fair; Midwest Horse Fair; Minnesota Horse Expo.  The Masterson Method® was presented at the Iowa Horse Fair by Instructor, Becky Tenges.

  • 2013 Dressage Movements Revealed, DVD with Betsy Steiner and Coralie Hughes, available for purchase focusing on the biomechanics of the muscles and joints used in upper level dressage movements, using the Masterson Method® to relieve stress and strain on those joints and muscles.

  • 2013  Presenter at the "Your Horse Live" horse expo in England

  • 2014 Invited to FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France as the United States Endurance Team Equestrian Bodyworker.

  • 2014 Beyond Horse Massage Home Study course available for purchase

  • 2014 Beyond Horse Massage book translated into Polish, German and French.  Beyond Horse Massage DVD translated into German

  • 2015 Dressage Horse Optimized book with Coralie Hughes available for purchase (companion to the DVD, Dressage Movements Revealed.)

  • 2015 Beyond Horse Massage Wall Chart available for purchase

  • 2015 Courses in Australia leading to Certification are taught

  • 2016 Courses taught in South Africa

  • 2016 Presenter at Equitana in Melbourne, Australia

  • 2016 Masterson Method Equine Facilitated Therapy Program initiated

  • 2016 Beyond Horse Massage book translated into Spanish

  • 2016 Light to the Core DVD produced and offered for sale

  • 2017 Co-Clinic with Mark Rashid

Click below to visit the Masterson Method® Website
Masterson Method® Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork
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